NHD 2008...The Adventure Begins

NHD is approaching...now what?! With much anticipation and curiosity, 9th graders this week were introduced to the all-encompassing experience that is NHD. For quite some time, students have listened to hearsay and rumors about NHD and wondered just what will it mean for them-- now this week we have begun deconstructing the myths and hype through classroom discussions, presentations and interviews with the 10th grade students. The tenth grade-ninth grade conferences were a great way to begin our NHD preparation. A big thanks to the tenth grade students who were were incredibly helpful in sharing their insights and recommendations for the 9th graders. Hopefully through this experience of reflecting on NHD 2007, 9th grade students will develop a better understanding of the project as a whole and maybe even get inspiration for their own topics.

Although identifying a topic can seem overwhelming, think about subjects you are interested in that you may want to learn more about. This project should be rewarding as well as challenging, so it's important that student select a topic you would want to spend weeks researching and writing about. The theme of Conflict and Compromise abounds with interesting possibilities, from war to religion to immigration and civil rights. Also, consider the rich history of Philadelphia and your neighborhood; there are many fascinating historical topics and events just waiting to be discovered.

Also, think about all the amazing skills you will develop through NHD. Conducting research, analyzing primary sources, writing and presenting effectively are all important skills that will help you in your high school careers (and certainly in college) and whereever life may take you. I tend to compare conducting research to going on a scavenger hunt. You have an idea of what you'd like to find, but the process takes you through many steps and discoveries and not always ends up as anticipated. There is often frustration, but also the joy of the unknown and unexpected. The process is just as important as the outcome.

Now that NHD preparation has begun, I hope you are excited and proud to be part of one of the only schools in the world that has full student participation in National History Day. I think that as a emerging ConHigh tradition, NHD will be a major highlight of our school year.

Happy Researching!